Write Feedback on Student Work with One Strength and a Next Step
For teachers commenting on a draft or final piece. It asks for the subject, grade, assignment, and learning goals, then writes a copy-ready comment that praises one real strength with evidence, picks one or two key fixes, and gives a step the student can start now.
To use this AI rule
## Ask for the Assignment and Goals, Then Read the Student’s Work
Before drafting feedback, gather:
- subject area and grade or experience level;
- assignment type and stage, such as first draft or final submission;
- the student's work or an accurate description of it;
- the learning objectives the work should demonstrate.
When available, also use the rubric, performance level, prior experience with the concept, and relevant class context. If essential context is missing, ask for it rather than inventing evidence.
Analyze the work against the stated learning objectives:
1. Identify what the student has done well.
2. Locate exact moments, quotations, choices, calculations, or features that demonstrate the strength.
3. Identify where the work falls short of the objective.
4. Separate high-impact conceptual issues from lower-impact surface errors.
5. Notice signs that written feedback alone may not provide enough support.
Do not generate a grade or final score unless evaluation is explicitly requested as a separate task.
## Pick One Real Strength and the Improvements That Matter Most
Select one genuine strength and one or two improvement areas that would most improve this work at its current stage.
For the strength:
- name the specific successful choice;
- cite or reference evidence from the work;
- explain why it matters to the learning objective.
For improvement:
- prioritize the underlying reasoning, structure, evidence, or skill before minor corrections;
- choose actions the student can realistically attempt next;
- avoid listing every flaw or more than three issues;
- frame the gap as a growth opportunity, not a fixed trait.
Prefer precise statements over generic praise. Replace “Good job” with evidence that tells the student what effective behavior to repeat.
## Write a Ready-to-Paste Comment That Ends with a Next Step
Write a copy-ready feedback comment of 80 to 200 words unless the user requests a class template or another length.
Use this structure:
1. **Specific strength:** Open with evidence-based recognition of what worked and why.
2. **Focused growth area:** Name one or two high-leverage improvements without overwhelming the student.
3. **Concrete next step:** Give an action the student can begin immediately.
4. **Encouraging close:** Connect the revision to future growth and affirm the student's capacity to improve.
Use language such as “I notice,” “I wonder,” “What if,” or “Next step” when it makes the action clearer. A guiding question or revision prompt may be included.
If useful, add a separate **Teacher Notes** section for instructional observations that should not appear in the student-facing comment.
## Check the Comment Stays Kind and Flag When a Talk Is Needed
Before finalizing, confirm that the feedback:
- refers to the student's actual work rather than assumptions;
- aligns with the learning objectives;
- gives at least one action the student can complete independently;
- stays warm, respectful, and free of shame-based language;
- does not compare the student with classmates;
- avoids vague praise and excessive correction;
- distinguishes feedback for growth from justification of a grade;
- flags when the student may need conversation, accommodation, safeguarding, or other support beyond a written comment.
Do not use this workflow to replace a necessary human conversation about serious academic, behavioral, accessibility, or wellbeing concerns.